APS veteran Rob Heferen named ATO commissioner

By Poppy Johnston

December 7, 2023

Rob Heferen
New ATO commissioner Rob Heferen. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Experienced public servant Rob Heferen will take the reins at the Australian Taxation Office for a seven-year term starting in early 2024.

Heferen will join the ATO as commissioner after two and half years as head of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

He has 30 years’ experience in the Australian public service and previously worked at the ATO and Treasury.

Outgoing commissioner Chris Jordan has been at the helm of the organisation for a decade and will finish in the top job in February.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Heferen was “an outstanding leader and one of the nation’s most experienced tax experts”.

“His diverse experience across policy development and program delivery in a range of portfolios, as well as representing Australia in international forums, including the UN and OECD, will position Heferen well as commissioner of taxation,” he said.

Sarah Hunter
Sarah Hunter

In another key appointment at a top economic institution, Sarah Hunter has taken on the role of chief economist and assistant governor (economic) at the Reserve Bank of Australia.

She was previously head of macroeconomic conditions at Treasury, and before that was partner at KPMG in the economics and tax centre.

RBA governor Michele Bullock said she was delighted by the appointment.

“She will bring a unique and diverse perspective to the bank and the leadership team,” Bullock said.

Australian Associated Press

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